Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Canoe's targeted ads set sail for households with income to spend]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/21/canoes-targeted-ads-set-sail-for-households-with-income-to-spen/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/21/canoes-targeted-ads-set-sail-for-households-with-income-to-spen/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/21/canoes-targeted-ads-set-sail-for-households-with-income-to-spen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Canoe Ventures logoThe six cable companies involved with Canoe Ventures -- Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, Cablevision and Bright House -- will be turning loose the targeted ad technology that has been in the works for a while now. Especially in the midst of the economic crunch, you just know that tax brackets are going to drive the tailoring of the bespoke ads, which go by the friendly name of CAM (community addressable messaging). Fully interactive ads will have to wait for tru2way, so for now CAM 1.0 will swap in one of two versions of a spot, depending on whether the destination is in a zone designated as "over $100,000." We foresee some interesting water cooler discussions ahead as coworkers report seeing different ads at halftime and thus give away some personal info.

Canoe's targeted ads set sail for households with income to spend originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsbright houseBrightHousecablecablevisioncamcanoecanoe venturesCanoeVentureschartercomcastcommunity addressable messagingCommunityAddressableMessagingcoxtargetedtargeted adsTargetedAdstime warnerTimeWarnerTue, 21 Apr 2009 23:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Targeted ads coming soon to cable TV]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/09/targeted-ads-coming-soon-to-cable-tv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/09/targeted-ads-coming-soon-to-cable-tv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/09/targeted-ads-coming-soon-to-cable-tv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Comcast guide with adOne look at a company like, say, Google, and you know there's something to online ads. Cable companies have been working on competitive ad targeting for TV programming for a while now, and tru2way is just the thing needed to close the circuit. Your viewing habits are not all that different from the trail of cookies built up in your browser, so it's just a matter of time before someone brings up the idea of monetizing that information. Of course, TV that watches you will have to walk the line between pitching you ads that are relevant/interesting and making you feel dirty and violated, so expect some pretty interesting times ahead while the boundaries get set; with two-way communication over wide bandwidth pipes, though, you know this is coming.

[Image courtesy simonrules]

Targeted ads coming soon to cable TV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adscabletargetedThu, 09 Apr 2009 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 4, 2009]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/04/verizons-fios-tv-expansions-april-4-2009/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/04/verizons-fios-tv-expansions-april-4-2009/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/04/verizons-fios-tv-expansions-april-4-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Light week on FiOS TV expansion news, now that the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network HD is on the air, it's broadcasting around Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The lack of expansion news apparently left time for Verizon to congratulate itself on running a successful Community Forums project that's already borne fruit by pushing forward a software upgrade to dim annoying lights on the company's set-top boxes. Check 'em out if you've a problem or solution, apparently someone is listening.

Read - FiOS TV Adds Mid-Atlantic Sports Network in High-Definition for Virginia Subscribers in Richmond, Hampton Roads
Read - FiOS TV Adds Mid-Atlantic Sports Network in High-Definition for Subscribers in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia
Read - Verizon's Online Community Forums Provide Enhanced Customer Service

Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 4, 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiosfios tvFiosTvforumsmasnverizonSat, 04 Apr 2009 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: LG's LGenius presentation lays out totally fake, remarkable TV advancements]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/28/video-lgs-lgenius-presentation-lays-out-totally-fake-remarkab/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/28/video-lgs-lgenius-presentation-lays-out-totally-fake-remarkab/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/28/video-lgs-lgenius-presentation-lays-out-totally-fake-remarkab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not that we haven't seen completely off-the-wall viral marketing ads before (including one from LG, in fact), but this one just takes the proverbial cake. In a perfectly staged LGenius presentation, we're informed about a few astounding up and coming TV advancements. The first one intelligently replaces all swear words with baby laughter or eerie silence, while the "Happy Time" feature automatically detects when a program is too sad for one's health and adds random images of cute puppies and kittens. Finally, the "Family Time" feature turns any sensual scene into one with cartoon characters, making even the steamiest bedroom romance seem perfectly acceptable for innocent eyes. Seriously, this one has to be seen to be believed -- mash that play button and have a gander.

[Thanks, Kellen]

Video: LG's LGenius presentation lays out totally fake, remarkable TV advancements originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingcomedyfunnyLGLGeniusmarketingpromopromotionvideoviralSat, 28 Mar 2009 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jersey sues Verizon over deceptive FiOS practices]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/22/new-jersey-sues-verizon-over-deceptive-fios-practices/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/22/new-jersey-sues-verizon-over-deceptive-fios-practices/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/22/new-jersey-sues-verizon-over-deceptive-fios-practices/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Verizon Communications has just been slapped with a lawsuit from New Jersey's Attorney General, who alleges that the company engaged in "deceptive and misleading" sales, billing and customer service practices related to its FiOS services. Mind you, this is far from the first time we've heard outrage over poor FiOS service, but Verizon New Jersey president Dennis Bone asserts that the majority of the issues raised by the attorney general are "related primarily to the start-up of the FiOS business nearly two years ago in New Jersey and have been largely addressed." Of course, just because things are sailing smoothly now doesn't mean that justice shouldn't be served, but we will concur that we've heard far less grumbling of late compared to years ago. Who knew offering up free TVs to get folks to sign up would lead to this much turmoil?

New Jersey sues Verizon over deceptive FiOS practices originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiosfios tvFiosTvlawsuitmarketingnew jerseyNewJerseysuesuitSun, 22 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sci Fi Channel being rebranded as Syfy]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/18/sci-fi-channel-being-rebranded-as-syfy/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/18/sci-fi-channel-being-rebranded-as-syfy/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/18/sci-fi-channel-being-rebranded-as-syfy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You've got to love those marketing folks, right? In an effort to grab an "ownable trademark" that will be more easily recognized on EPGs and online video portals such as iTunes and Hulu, NBC Universal has decided it best to rebrand Sci Fi Channel as 'Syfy.' Phonetically, everything remains the same, but it's the visual difference that counts. The change is expected to take place on July 7th here in the US, with other regions following suit in Q3. We're still not sure we're hot on the whole MHD-to-Palladia thing, but we kind of dig this change -- agree / disagree?

Sci Fi Channel being rebranded as Syfy originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NBCNBC universalNbcUniversalSci Fisci-fiSciFiSyfyWed, 18 Mar 2009 04:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SoBe's 3D Super Bowl commercial available now on YouTube HD]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/01/sobes-3d-super-bowl-commercial-available-now-on-youtube-hd/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/01/sobes-3d-super-bowl-commercial-available-now-on-youtube-hd/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/01/sobes-3d-super-bowl-commercial-available-now-on-youtube-hd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Yeah, today's big game is but hours away, but if you're itching to put those newfangled 3D goggles to use beforehand, you're in luck. Reindeer has hosted up tonight's 3D SoBe ad on YouTube in high-def, and folks with those glasses -- which can supposedly still be picked up at hard-to-miss kiosks in grocery outlets and retail stores if any stock remains -- can tap the read link to have a look right now. Obviously we wouldn't do so if you're not much on spoilers, but we're betting your curiosity is going to get the best of you. Once you've watched, chime in below with your thoughts on the quality. Fair? Great? Just plain gimmicky?

SoBe's 3D Super Bowl commercial available now on YouTube HD originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dadadvertisementadvertisingcommercialmarketingReindeersobeyoutubeyoutube hdYoutubeHdSun, 01 Feb 2009 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[VIZIO does it big time with own Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/30/vizio-does-it-big-time-with-own-super-bowl-ad/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/30/vizio-does-it-big-time-with-own-super-bowl-ad/http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/30/vizio-does-it-big-time-with-own-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've always respected those who practiced what they preached, and we've got to give it to VIZIO here -- it's definitely standing by its word of switching marketing gears from discount to high-quality. The company famous for delivering HDTVs at rock bottom prices has just announced that it will air a commercial in this year's Super Bowl, and at around $3 million per slot, you know it'll be worth watching. Of course, you probably shouldn't expect scantily clad females or overdone explosions, as the company's co-founder and VP of sales and marketing Laynie Newsome has stated that the spot is one that's "simple and speaks directly to its customers." Low-key and Super Bowl? Those don't mix, do they?

VIZIO does it big time with own Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marketingNBCnflpromopromotionsuper bowlsuper bowl xliiiSuperBowlSuperBowlXliiivizioFri, 30 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony sets Guinness World Record with BRAVIA-drome]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/21/sony-sets-guinness-world-record-with-bravia-drome/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/21/sony-sets-guinness-world-record-with-bravia-drome/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/21/sony-sets-guinness-world-record-with-bravia-drome/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sony was smelling a world record when it constructed this beast, and sure enough, that's exactly what it set. The BRAVIA-drome was originally constructed to showcase its 240Hz Motionflow technology, and it has ended up being a continual source of interest even after the commercial shoot. This week, a Guinness World Records adjudicator affirmed that the structure was indeed the "World's Largest Zoetrope." We're not exactly sure that this proves / disproves the awesomeness / lameness of its 240Hz tech, but congrats anyway, Sony.

Sony sets Guinness World Record with BRAVIA-drome originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>240hzadadvertisementadvertisingbraviaBRAVIA-DROMEmarketingmotionflowpromopromotionsonyworld recordWorldRecordzoetropeSun, 21 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic launches online community for Living in HD program]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/20/panasonic-launches-online-community-for-living-in-hd-program/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/20/panasonic-launches-online-community-for-living-in-hd-program/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/20/panasonic-launches-online-community-for-living-in-hd-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At least initially, Panasonic's Living in HD program seemed like a one-off promotion to hook a few crews up with some pretty sweet swag. Now, it has morphed into a running R&D experiment of sorts, with some 44 families having participated in order to give the outfit feedback on how its HD-related gear works / doesn't work in real life. In fact, applications are still being accepted for the next wave of winners, and in case you're interested, the company is also launching a new online community in conjunction with the initiative. The site contains a number of videos to get beginners started in their HD life, and there's also a forum for families to discuss such important matters as mounting / not mounting, surround system versus soundbar, etc. Sure, it may never top the mighty AVSForum in terms of breadth and depth, but it's probably not going to overwhelm and intimidate the newbies, either.

Panasonic launches online community for Living in HD program originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementliving in HDLivingInHdmarketingpanasonicpromopromotionsocial networkingSocialNetworkingSat, 20 Dec 2008 21:38:00 EST<![CDATA['American Idol' is most timeshifted show of 2008]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/19/american-idol-is-most-timeshifted-show-of-2008/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/19/american-idol-is-most-timeshifted-show-of-2008/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/19/american-idol-is-most-timeshifted-show-of-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, would you let your brain simmer on this a bit. American Idol, the famed singing competition that airs live numerous times per week when it's in full swing, was found to be the most timeshifted program in the USA in 2008. Granted, it's also the most watched show in the nation, but we digress. The significance here is that this tidbit, which was dug up by The Nielsen Company, goes to show that live competitions and so-called "topical" programming aren't as immune to DVRs as networks would love to believe. The data found that "an extra four million viewers watched Fox's American Idol in the seven days following the initial episodes." To us, the only true DVR-resistant programming is live sports -- the genuineness of the event just seems to fade when you're not watching in real time, but we can't say we've ever felt the same when watching Simon & Co. a few days after the fact.

'American Idol' is most timeshifted show of 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementsadvertisersamerican idolAmericanIdoldvrfoxmarketingNielsenratingsreality tvRealityTvtimeshifttimeshiftingtvFri, 19 Dec 2008 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Bowl XLIII to boast interactive commercials]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/08/super-bowl-xliii-to-boast-interactive-commercials/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/08/super-bowl-xliii-to-boast-interactive-commercials/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/08/super-bowl-xliii-to-boast-interactive-commercials/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For years now, companies have sought to produce the most engaging advertisement on the eve of the Super Bowl here in America. In just a few months, however, they'll be vying for something else -- your clicks. Canadian sportscaster Le Réseau des Sports has confirmed that both SD and HD broadcasts of Super Bowl XLIII will feature commercials that are "enabled with interactive functionality permitting viewers to opt-in and hyperlink directly from the RDS network to long-form video content." Additionally, viewers will be able to bookmark that content for future viewing. Details of how the links and on-demand material will work are still fuzzy, but it's apt to function a lot like the TV-to-Internet ad platform that's already out courtesy of Backchannelmedia. The bar just got raised a few rungs higher, and we're pretty stoked to see what happens next.

Super Bowl XLIII to boast interactive commercials originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadscanadacommercialcommercialsinteractiveinteractivitymarketingpromopromotionRDSsuper bowlsuper bowl xliiiSuperBowlSuperBowlXliiiMon, 08 Dec 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony builds massive BRAVIA-drome in Italy to showcase 240Hz Motionflow tech]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/06/sony-builds-massive-bravia-drome-in-italy-to-showcase-240hz-moti/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/06/sony-builds-massive-bravia-drome-in-italy-to-showcase-240hz-moti/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/06/sony-builds-massive-bravia-drome-in-italy-to-showcase-240hz-moti/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As the race to infinityHz continues, Sony is busting out the advertising checkbook to showcase its utterly mesmerizing 240Hz Motionflow technology. The BRAVIA-drome installation, which is modeled after a 19th century zoetrope, measures 10-meters across, spins at over 40kph and is the centerpiece in a new commercial designed to display soccer action in the sleekest, smoothest, silkiest way imaginable (or so it says). Have a quick glimpse at the filming of the spot just after the break.

[Via Geek]

Gallery: Sony builds massive BRAVIA-drome in Italy to showcase 240Hz Motionflow tech

Sony builds massive BRAVIA-drome in Italy to showcase 240Hz Motionflow tech originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>240hzadadvertisementadvertisingbraviaBRAVIA-DROMEmarketingmotionflowpromopromotionsonyzoetropeSat, 06 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Denon rewards buyers of its pricey Blu-ray decks with free Batman BDs]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/22/denon-rewards-buyers-of-its-pricey-blu-ray-decks-with-free-batma/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/22/denon-rewards-buyers-of-its-pricey-blu-ray-decks-with-free-batma/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/22/denon-rewards-buyers-of-its-pricey-blu-ray-decks-with-free-batma/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's one thing for Amazon to toss a few free Blu-ray Discs in with the purchase of a PlayStation 3, but we'd expect a little something extra from Denon. After all, when the least expensive Blu-ray deck you make rings up at $749 (MSRP), we'd say a free universal remote or weekend at the lake would be a more appropriate gift. At any rate, Denon and Warner Home Video have linked up to provide buyers of Denon Blu-ray players (the DVD-1800BD, DVD-3800BDCI and DVD-2500BTCI) with a BD copy of The Dark Knight and Batman Begins. The promotion is set to run from November 23rd to January 10, but you've still got to deal with that whole "mail in with the proof of purchase" rigmarole to get your money back. Groan.

Denon rewards buyers of its pricey Blu-ray decks with free Batman BDs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanblu-raydark knightDarkKnightdenonpartnerpartnershippromopromotionthe dark knightTheDarkKnightwarner home videoWarnerHomeVideoSat, 22 Nov 2008 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer rechristens Black Friday "KURO Friday," won't lower prices]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/20/pioneer-rechristens-black-friday-kuro-friday-wont-lower-pric/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/20/pioneer-rechristens-black-friday-kuro-friday-wont-lower-pric/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/20/pioneer-rechristens-black-friday-kuro-friday-wont-lower-pric/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Talk about a marketing catastrophe. Apparently no one told Pioneer's promotional firm what Black Friday is (hint: it's a day for unprecedented price cuts to get consumers to camp out in the cold for a deeply discounted blender), as it has inexplicably decided to re-coin the holiday "KURO Friday." Why do such a thing? To quote Pioneer, it's to "celebrate the creative visionaries" who helped bring KURO to life. In other words, KURO Friday is not being established to announce sweet, sweet price drops on all KURO wares. Two thumbs way down, Pioneer.

Pioneer rechristens Black Friday "KURO Friday," won't lower prices originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisingBlack FridayBlack Friday 2008Black Friday2008BlackFridayBlackFriday2008KUROkuro fridayKuroFridaymarketingpioneerThu, 20 Nov 2008 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows commercial gets wrong message across on 4:3 sets]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/19/windows-commercial-gets-wrong-message-across-on-4-3-sets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/19/windows-commercial-gets-wrong-message-across-on-4-3-sets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/19/windows-commercial-gets-wrong-message-across-on-4-3-sets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We can't say we spotted this one in person (sorry, Chuck lost its luster after about six episodes), but we'll still join in the chorus of laughter. The image spotted above was an advertisement for Microsoft's little 'ole operating system, known around the underground as Windows Vista. What you're supposed to see there is "Windows: Life Without Walls," but instead, you're missing the final "s." In fact, Michael Smith points out that most 4:3 set owners actually saw even less than that (think "Windows: Life Without"). The capture was taken from a locally broadcast 4:3 NTSC feed of the show, and amazingly enough, it wasn't the only commercial aired that night with some of the critical information hanging off in no man's land. Have any of you spotted this recently, or was this just a one-time screw up?

Windows commercial gets wrong message across on 4:3 sets originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisingaspect ratioAspectRatiocomedyfailfunnymicrosoftstretch-o-visionwidescreenwindowsWed, 19 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM survey finds consumers kosher with select kinds of advertising]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/18/ibm-survey-finds-consumers-kosher-with-select-kinds-of-advertisi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/18/ibm-survey-finds-consumers-kosher-with-select-kinds-of-advertisi/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/18/ibm-survey-finds-consumers-kosher-with-select-kinds-of-advertisi/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've heard for years that the DVR was killing marketers' ability to inform and persuade, but a recent survey from IBM points out that advertisers would do alright if they'd simply keep with the times. The research revealed that more and more individuals are turning to their PCs and mobiles for content ingestion, and out of the 2,800 individuals surveyed around the globe, over 70% said they preferred "advertising-supported models as opposed to consumer-paid models." In fact, the majority of respondents admitted to preferring ads shown before of after a clip versus the "interruption" method currently used in TV broadcasts. Researchers also found that some 60% would be willing to provide personal information in exchange for valuable content, with "high quality music / videos, discounts to favorite stores and air travel / hotel points" being among the most desirable. More figures for number lovers are just down there in the read link.

IBM survey finds consumers kosher with select kinds of advertising originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementadvertisingdataIBMmarketingresearchstudysurveyTue, 18 Nov 2008 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Studios, CE firms bankroll $25 million Tru Blu ad campaign]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/07/studios-ce-firms-bankroll-25-million-tru-blu-ad-campaign/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/07/studios-ce-firms-bankroll-25-million-tru-blu-ad-campaign/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/07/studios-ce-firms-bankroll-25-million-tru-blu-ad-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The stakes are high for Blu-ray this holiday season. As we've stated before, it's the first such season where it's not competing directly with HD DVD, and coincidentally enough, also the first in which it is competing (at least to a small degree) with HD streaming. To that end, a number of studios and consumer electronics outfits have agreed to fund a $25 million marketing campaign dubbed Tru Blu, which involves airing persuasive commercials on channels that "attract heavily male audiences." With Blu-ray deck prices expected to reach the $150 area come Black Friday, we'd say BD still has a good chance of being successful this winter, but it's going to need every ounce of gusto it can muster.

Studios, CE firms bankroll $25 million Tru Blu ad campaign originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingblublu-raycampaigncommercialmarketingpromopromotionstudiotru bluTruBluFri, 07 Nov 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey finds DVR usage eating into DVD viewing, not TV]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/31/survey-finds-dvr-usage-eating-into-dvd-viewing-not-tv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/31/survey-finds-dvr-usage-eating-into-dvd-viewing-not-tv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/31/survey-finds-dvr-usage-eating-into-dvd-viewing-not-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Content owners have long since looked down upon the almighty DVR, but a recent survey suggests that they actually have little to worry over. In fact, over 90% of individuals surveyed by Knowledge Networks admitted that they "typically watch TV during the prime-time hours of 8:00PM to midnight," which is a rate similar to that of four years ago. According to the company's David Tice, "increased DVR usage seems to come at the expense of watching purchased video," hinting that the decrease in home video sales could be linked to the ability to watch one's favorite shows at any time of the day. 'Course, this evidence here does clash somewhat with other numbers, but we aren't shocked at all to hear that people would rather watch something instantly on their DVR instead of going to the video store.

Survey finds DVR usage eating into DVD viewing, not TV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingAdSkippingcommercialsdatadvdDVRmarketingresearchsurveyFri, 31 Oct 2008 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon delivers fast-forward-disabled HD VOD content from ABC]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/29/verizon-delivers-fast-forward-disabled-hd-vod-content-from-abc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/29/verizon-delivers-fast-forward-disabled-hd-vod-content-from-abc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/29/verizon-delivers-fast-forward-disabled-hd-vod-content-from-abc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


My, my -- this is just gross. In an awkwardly positive release, Verizon is gleefully announcing the launch of ABC video-on-demand content on its fiber-based FiOS TV service. Unfortunately, that very content is of the "fast-forward-disabled" variety. If you'll recall, we've seen ABC lock up its VOD content on other carriers before, but we're still dismayed that the suits up there at Disney-ABC Television Group won't provide on demand entertainment that's, you know, on demand. If there's a silver lining, FiOS TV users nationwide will be able to catch all of ABC's hit shows a day after they air in high-definition, which sure beats watching commercials in SD.

Verizon delivers fast-forward-disabled HD VOD content from ABC originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abcad skippingAdSkippingcommercialdisneydvrfast forwardFastForwardfiosfios tvFiosTvverizonvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandvodWed, 29 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Two LIN TV stations to trial Backchannelmedia's TV-to-Internet ad platform]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/27/two-lin-tv-stations-to-trial-backchannelmedias-tv-to-internet-a/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/27/two-lin-tv-stations-to-trial-backchannelmedias-tv-to-internet-a/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/27/two-lin-tv-stations-to-trial-backchannelmedias-tv-to-internet-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


While LIN TV and Time Warner Cable remain embroiled in all sorts of disagreements, two of the company's stations in the Hartford-New Haven, Connecticut area are gearing up to trial Backchannelmedia's TV-to-Internet click through technology. If you'll recall, we first heard of this worrisome interactive advertising platform back in May when MGM Grand at Foxwoods signed on. Now, WTNH (ABC) and WCTX (MyNetworkTV) have also agreed to participate in the company's market trial, which is set to start next month. In essence, it will give viewers the ability to click on "non-intrusive icons at the bottom of the their TV screen" in order to bookmark offers for online viewing; obviously, all of the response data is forwarded on for use in soliciting more cash from advertisers. Why does the idea of having to engage with ads sound so dreadful from here?

Two LIN TV stations to trial Backchannelmedia's TV-to-Internet ad platform originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingBackchannelmediabostonconnecticutHartfordinteractiveLIN TVLinTvmarketingmassachusettsnew havenNewHavenTV-to-InternetMon, 27 Oct 2008 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[CEA launches YouTube digital transition PSA contest, winner gets a home theater]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/25/cea-launches-youtube-digital-transition-psa-contest-winner-gets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/25/cea-launches-youtube-digital-transition-psa-contest-winner-gets/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/25/cea-launches-youtube-digital-transition-psa-contest-winner-gets/#commentsFiled under: ,


Think you know how to inform people about the digital transition in three minutes or less? The Consumer Electronics Association is sponsoring a contest with country band Whiskey Falls (yes, that's what we think when we think DTV, country music), offering a flat screen HDTV, Blu-ray player and surround sound system to the maker of the best video demonstrating how to get family and friends ready for the analog shutoff coming in February. Head over to the dedicated YouTube channel to check out the entries, and Whiskey Falls promo asking for entries after the break. Voting opens December 1 with a winner selected December 10, any questions?

[Via CE Pro]

Continue reading CEA launches YouTube digital transition PSA contest, winner gets a home theater

CEA launches YouTube digital transition PSA contest, winner gets a home theater originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009analog shutoffAnalogShutoffceacontestcutoverdigital transitiondigital tvDigitalTransitionDigitalTvdtvdtv transitionDtvTransitionwhiskey fallsWhiskeyFallsyoutubeSat, 25 Oct 2008 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[IMMI tracks ad exposure / effectiveness via cellphone, trips privacy alarms everywhere]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/15/immi-tracks-ad-exposure-effectiveness-via-cellphone-trips-pri/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/15/immi-tracks-ad-exposure-effectiveness-via-cellphone-trips-pri/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/15/immi-tracks-ad-exposure-effectiveness-via-cellphone-trips-pri/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hunker down and find that tin foil cap, pronto! Privacy advocates, we've a new target for you to bang on: Integrated Media Measurement. The 4,900-person media research company is looking to take advertising measurement to a whole new level (or new low, as it were) by embedding tracking modules within cellphones. In short, the module picks up audio from ads and records information about the exposure; in the future, if you were to purchase whatever product you heard about (like seeing a movie that was plugged), it would register a hit and deem you a sucker. As of now, the only testers with these freaky phones are individuals who signed up for this stuff, but you better believe major marketing firms (and TV / movie studios in particular) are perking their ears up and begging to know more.

[Image courtesy of Corbis, thanks ugotamesij]

IMMI tracks ad exposure / effectiveness via cellphone, trips privacy alarms everywhere originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ABCadadvertisementadvertisingconsumerIMMIIntegrated Media MeasurementIntegratedMediaMeasurementmarketingNBC UniversalNbcUniversalprivacyradiospoftwaretracktrackingtvWed, 15 Oct 2008 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky extends half-off HD box promo, launches £10 million ad campaign]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/03/sky-extends-half-off-hd-box-promo-launches-10-million-ad-campa/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/03/sky-extends-half-off-hd-box-promo-launches-10-million-ad-campa/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/03/sky-extends-half-off-hd-box-promo-launches-10-million-ad-campa/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you thought Sky+ HD's lower £150 set-top box was nice, imagine the reaction to its just-extended £75 (plus £60 installation) offer. Available until the end of October, Sky's apparently hoping that in combination with an ad campaign featuring Cyndi Lauper's True Colors will push Britons to make the jump to HDTV. That it will also cause us to relive a particularly embarrassing middle school dance is apparently of no consequence to this heartless media juggernaut. Enjoy your half price high definition boxes, no matter the emotional cost.

Read - Sky Extends Half Price Sky+ HD Deal
Read - Sky backs HD service with £10m campaign

Sky extends half-off HD box promo, launches £10 million ad campaign originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainenglandskysky hdSkyHdukFri, 03 Oct 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Discovery shakes hands with YouTube on content partnership]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/25/discovery-shakes-hands-with-youtube-on-content-partnership/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/25/discovery-shakes-hands-with-youtube-on-content-partnership/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/25/discovery-shakes-hands-with-youtube-on-content-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're not sure who is in charge of marketing over at Discovery Communications, but no sooner did the company go public than two fairly substantial promotional deals were announced. Right behind the tie-up with Sony comes this, a content partnership with the worldwide leader in online video. The deal will see the creation of nine dedicated YouTube Channels which feature a "robust collection of clips from Discovery's family of world-class network brands." Leveraging the "global" nature of the source, Discovery is planning to introduce "a series of targeted international Channels showcasing localized and native language content for specific regions around the world." Check out all nine URLs in the read link.

Discovery shakes hands with YouTube on content partnership originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentdiscoverydiscovery communicationsDiscoveryCommunicationsinternet tvInternetTvmarketingonline videoOnlineVideopartnershippromopromotionyoutubeThu, 25 Sep 2008 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Vizio switches marketing gears from discount to high-quality]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/14/vizio-switches-marketing-gears-from-discount-to-high-quality/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/14/vizio-switches-marketing-gears-from-discount-to-high-quality/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/14/vizio-switches-marketing-gears-from-discount-to-high-quality/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When Vizio let loose a stable of new HDTVs at CES this year, it was apparent the outfit was beginning to head in another direction. For years it had pushed itself as a discount brand, grabbing market share the only way it knew how: by selling cheap. With a decent foothold in the US, Vizio has finally decided to switch gears and begin to market the more sophisticated aspects of its HDTVs. It won't stop throwing the word "value" around, but rather than honing in on how much cheaper its wares are compared to top-label competitors, it has now hired an ad agency to showcase the high-quality aspects. According to said agency, it wants "consumers to associate premiere audio quality, along with images, when they think about Vizio," and beyond all that, we're also hearing confirmation that the outfit will indeed be pushing out a low-cost soundbar in the near future. Go get 'em, Vizio.

Vizio switches marketing gears from discount to high-quality originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingmarketingpromotionalsound barSoundBarsurround barSurroundBarvizioSun, 14 Sep 2008 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast hits the sauce a little too hard, claims more HD than DirecTV]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/12/comcast-hits-the-sauce-a-little-too-hard-claims-more-hd-than-di/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/12/comcast-hits-the-sauce-a-little-too-hard-claims-more-hd-than-di/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/12/comcast-hits-the-sauce-a-little-too-hard-claims-more-hd-than-di/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We know our evaluation is a few months old now, but we're pretty darn sure Comcast hasn't made up the huge gap between its HD lineup and DirecTV's in a few short months. Nevertheless, said cable company has apparently lost its mind with a new 30-second spot themed after Deal or No Deal. In the ad, a contestant is asked to guess which provider has more HD options at 7:12PM in Chicago, and after he correctly guesses DirecTV, the badly misinformed host tells him that he's flat-out wrong. Then, a graphic shows up touting "500" HD options for Comcast and just 95 or so on DirecTV, and as if that weren't misleading enough, the spooky narrator reminds us that "Comcast always has more HD." It's not that we don't believe the guy, we just can't figure out on what planet this scenario is actually true. The mind-boggling spot is after the jump.

[Via CNET, thanks Isaac]

Continue reading Comcast hits the sauce a little too hard, claims more HD than DirecTV

Comcast hits the sauce a little too hard, claims more HD than DirecTV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingcomcastcommercialdirectvmarketingspotFri, 12 Sep 2008 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer goes crazy with 16 new speaker models, KURO brand push]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/04/pioneer-goes-crazy-with-16-new-speaker-models-kuro-brand-push/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/04/pioneer-goes-crazy-with-16-new-speaker-models-kuro-brand-push/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/04/pioneer-goes-crazy-with-16-new-speaker-models-kuro-brand-push/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Lookee here, our first sight at what Pioneer's bringing to CEDIA. For the audio crowd, it's unveiling a mind-boggling 16 new speaker models including four floorstanding subwoofers. The new line of "dynamic architectural loudspeakers (pictured after the jump) come in three different performance levels - Elite EX Series, Pioneer CST and plain ole Pioneer. As you can likely imagine, we don't have the luxury of space here to cover the sweet sixteen, but everything is laid out nicely in the link below. In somewhat related news, the outfit has also announced a new KURO brand campaign that "embodies transformation." We'll spare you the marketing hoopla, but there's a nice link down there should you want to dive in.

Read - 16 new speaker models
Read - New KURO campaign

Continue reading Pioneer goes crazy with 16 new speaker models, KURO brand push

Pioneer goes crazy with 16 new speaker models, KURO brand push originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cediacedia 2008Cedia2008KUROmarketingpioneerpromotionpromotionalspeakerspeakersThu, 04 Sep 2008 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/05/research-affirms-that-dvr-owners-do-indeed-blaze-by-commercials/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/05/research-affirms-that-dvr-owners-do-indeed-blaze-by-commercials/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/05/research-affirms-that-dvr-owners-do-indeed-blaze-by-commercials/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You know those situations where everyone knows something yet no one is courageous enough to just blurt out the obvious? Pardon us, but yes, people do actually use their DVRs to skip commercials. In case our word isn't good enough for you, research firm Oliver Wyman has just completed a study which found that 85% of the 1,000 global participants used their DVR to skip at least three-quarters of all commercials. Furthermore, most viewers stated that they would not be willing to "watch advertising even when it underwrites free content," and they wouldn't want to pay extra (in addition to the DVR cost, we presume) to remove ads. Really though, we ad skippers are simply keeping those lucrative media marketing firms on their toes, and trust us, they have / will continue to find ways to circumvent our circumvention. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials

Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingAdSkippingadvertisementadvertiseradvertisinganalysisAppointment TVAppointmentTvdatadvrhd dvrHdDvrmarketingreportResearchTue, 05 Aug 2008 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo lets users buy stuff from Amazon on their TV, all three QVC fans go wild]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/22/tivo-lets-users-buy-stuff-from-amazon-on-their-tv-all-three-qvc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/22/tivo-lets-users-buy-stuff-from-amazon-on-their-tv-all-three-qvc/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/22/tivo-lets-users-buy-stuff-from-amazon-on-their-tv-all-three-qvc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Back in May, TiVo's VP of product marketing got all of our hopes up that the next announcement involving it and Amazon would include HD Unbox content. As you can very clearly see, this is most certainly not the case. Instead, we have the immense pleasure of informing internet-connected Series2, Series3 and TiVo HD owners that they can now buy wares from Amazon without leaving their couch. If browsing through Amazon's extraordinarily huge store with just a remote sounds appealing to you, you're in luck (and mildly insane). Also of note, the new Product Purchase feature will enable advertisers to "market products sold through Amazon on any broadcast or cable network, any TV show, or via any of TiVo's extensive interactive advertising features." In other words, next time you see Dwight using that iconic shredder, you can buy that bad boy right then and there. Take that, Staples.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

TiVo lets users buy stuff from Amazon on their TV, all three QVC fans go wild originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbusinessdvrhd dvrHdDvrProduct PurchaseProductPurchaseseries 2series 3Series2Series3set-top-boxshoppingTivotivo hdTivoHdTue, 22 Jul 2008 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[65-inch "digital posters" catch eyes in Tokyo train station]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/15/65-inch-digital-posters-catch-eyes-in-tokyo-train-station/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/15/65-inch-digital-posters-catch-eyes-in-tokyo-train-station/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/15/65-inch-digital-posters-catch-eyes-in-tokyo-train-station/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Utilizing big honkin' displays for advertising purposes is nothing new, but East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and East Japan Marketing & Communications have decided to try "digital posters" out for reference. In short, ten 65-inch Sharp PN655R LCDs have been installed within "the internal concourse on the first floor of Tokyo Station's Yaesu South Entrance," and folks who stroll by can get a glimpse of whatever (the image changes each minute) in stunning 1080p. The goal here, as you might imagine, is to "evaluate the advertising effects of still image ad posters using large LCD panels displayed in a relatively busy gateway." If you're anxious to lay your eyes on the installation, you'd better hurry, as there's no guarantee that they'll remain after September. At least the video posted after the jump is forever.

Continue reading 65-inch "digital posters" catch eyes in Tokyo train station

65-inch "digital posters" catch eyes in Tokyo train station originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial displaycommercial lcdCommercialDisplayCommercialLcddigital posterdigital signageDigitalPosterDigitalSignagejapanlcdlcd hdtvlcd tvLcdHdtvLcdTvmass transitMassTransitPN655Rsharptokyotraintrain stationTrainStationtrialTue, 15 Jul 2008 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Interactive ad campaign seeks to "reinvent commercial time as content time"]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/09/interactive-ad-campaign-seeks-to-reinvent-commercial-time-as-co/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/09/interactive-ad-campaign-seeks-to-reinvent-commercial-time-as-co/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/09/interactive-ad-campaign-seeks-to-reinvent-commercial-time-as-co/#commentsFiled under: ,


Here at Engadget HD, we've been watching TV for a long, long time, and we can't honestly say that we've ever viewed commercial time as content time. Nevertheless, MTV Networks is teaming up with Cadbury and DISH Network in order to launch its "first-ever advertiser-supported interactive television campaign." Available "exclusively" to DISH Network customers (a curse disguised as a blessing?), the campaign will debut during The N's reality series Queen Bees on July 11th at 9:00PM ET / PT. Put simply, it will present viewers with sets of questions to answer during the show (no, that's not distracting at all), and in the next commercial break, the poll results will be shown. According to the outfits involved, this is their attempt to "reinvent commercial time as content time" and "encourage viewer retention throughout the pod." We're curious -- does anyone at MTV / Cadbury / DISH actually believe this stuff, or does it just sound great on a conference call?

Interactive ad campaign seeks to "reinvent commercial time as content time" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisingcadburycommercialcommercialsdishDISH NetworkDishNetworkinteractiveinteractive adsInteractiveAdsiTVmtvQueen BeesQueenBeesWed, 09 Jul 2008 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to push Blu-ray, HD recording abilities of VAIO machines]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/04/sony-to-push-blu-ray-hd-recording-abilities-of-vaio-machines/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/04/sony-to-push-blu-ray-hd-recording-abilities-of-vaio-machines/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/04/sony-to-push-blu-ray-hd-recording-abilities-of-vaio-machines/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Sony's been pretty big on its HDNA marketing scheme. Even at last year's CEDIA the message was everywhere, asserting that its home theater gear shared some sort of double-helix bond with the root of all high-definition. Now, the outfit is pulling its HD-equipped VAIO machines under the same marketing umbrella in an attempt to convince prospective buyers that these systems are "born out of" other high-def products. In particular, Sony will push the HD OTA tuning and BD playback abilities in its all-in-one PCs and Blu-ray-equipped laptops, though we don't expect any new rigs to emerge as part of the deal. Sure, this is little more than a trivial way to tack "HD" onto yet another product, but we can't harsh too much on anything that gets high-def into the mainstream.

Sony to push Blu-ray, HD recording abilities of VAIO machines originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HDNAhtpclaptopmarketingpromopromotionsonyVAIOFri, 04 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[HD goes underground in London's Tube]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/04/hd-goes-underground-in-londons-tube/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/04/hd-goes-underground-in-londons-tube/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/04/hd-goes-underground-in-londons-tube/#commentsFiled under: ,

London Underground
Light control is probably the biggest challenge to a good projection setup. The subterranean nature of London's subway is pretty much ideal in that regard, and now CBS Outdoor has brought its cross-track projection (XTP) system to the Tube. The Piccadilly Circus, Euston, Bank, Liverpool Street and Bond Street stations have been outfitted with a total of 23 14-foot screens that are getting HD video ads beamed onto them, sans audio (thankfully). There are plans to build out to 150 XTP screens and compliment them with 2,000 digital screens Tube-wide, which all fits in with CBS Outdoors' plans to bathe subway riders in advertisement. If ad-targeting tech is brought into the equation, we see some potential for really embarrassing hilarity. Meanwhile, London readers are encouraged to let us all know how the picture XTP quality is holding up!

HD goes underground in London's Tube originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingcbs outdoorsCbsOutdoorsenglandlondonprojectionprojectorsubwaytubeukundergroundxtpFri, 04 Jul 2008 07:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Charter fails to deliver 65-inch HDTV to contest winner, sends 19-inch box instead]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/03/charter-fails-to-deliver-65-inch-hdtv-to-contest-winner-sends-1/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/03/charter-fails-to-deliver-65-inch-hdtv-to-contest-winner-sends-1/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/03/charter-fails-to-deliver-65-inch-hdtv-to-contest-winner-sends-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We're tempted to chalk this one up to miscommunication, but something just reeks of wrongdoing. As the story goes, one particular winner of a Charter Father's Day contest was promised a 65-inch HDTV as well as free Charter services for an entire year. The only requirement was to pay sales tax on the winnings -- fair enough, right? After receiving a phone call and email confirmation from the carrier, the winning dad sat down with his jubilant daughter and unsuccessfully tried to fax in his W-9. Afterwards, he decided to mail it in, and after a bit of rigmarole, a Charter associate contacted him with news that it couldn't deliver the promised set; instead, it would "try" to get him a 42-incher, though a 19-inch TV was likely in his future. After a few more days of nothing, a box arrived at his door "large enough to hold a 19-inch television," which the "winner" promptly refused. Can't make this stuff up, folks.

[Image courtesy of ZMETravel]

Charter fails to deliver 65-inch HDTV to contest winner, sends 19-inch box instead originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charterfunnypromotionwinnerThu, 03 Jul 2008 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[DStv celebrates first HD channel in South Africa with free advertising]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/02/dstv-celebrates-first-hd-channel-in-south-africa-with-free-adver/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/02/dstv-celebrates-first-hd-channel-in-south-africa-with-free-adver/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/02/dstv-celebrates-first-hd-channel-in-south-africa-with-free-adver/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nearly two years ago, we heard that HDTV was coming to South Africa. Fast forward to now, and that prophecy has finally come true. DStv is launching in SA this August in order to bring the 2008 Olympic Games to residents in high-definition. Aside from prepping HD DVRs for the occasion, it's also looking to celebrate by offering up free advertising on the channel until March of 2009. Apparently Oracle Airtime Sales (OATS) is hoping that marketers will seize the opportunity to advertise their wares in high-def, and we have all ideas said company will receive more than a few calls from outfits looking to take it up on the offer.

DStv celebrates first HD channel in South Africa with free advertising originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingafricaDStvexpansionglobalsouth africaSouthAfricaWed, 02 Jul 2008 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Loud commercials actually not that loud, just startling]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/loud-commercials-actually-not-that-loud-just-startling/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/loud-commercials-actually-not-that-loud-just-startling/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/loud-commercials-actually-not-that-loud-just-startling/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. Is this report really saying that those obnoxiously loud used car commercials aren't any louder than the programs they accompany? In fact, yes. Tom Feran has taken the time to actually explain how loudness works in television here in the US, and the resulting report is pretty fascinating. In essence, a typical drama will have moments of loudness and moments of quiet, and commercials that follow the show have to respect the same maximum as the show. However, unlike the program, commercials can simply max out the volume from start to finish, causing a "perceived" or "inconsistent" loudness that's just barely lawful. As you well know, British regulators are stepping in to make sure no ad is "excessively noisy or strident," but the situation in America could get worse post-2009. You see, digital broadcasts have a wider dynamic range (or loudness spectrum), leaving more room for annoying salespeople to totally invade your eardrum. Nevertheless, the article linked below is a must-read for anyone who has ever been enraged by a "ridiculously loud commercial."

[Image courtesy of Derrick Logan]

Loud commercials actually not that loud, just startling originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementscommercialcommercialsloudloudnessprogrammingtv commercialsTvCommercialsvolumeTue, 01 Jul 2008 21:35:00 EST<![CDATA[TRA to license, sell TiVo demographic data]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/tra-to-license-sell-tivo-demographic-data/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/tra-to-license-sell-tivo-demographic-data/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/tra-to-license-sell-tivo-demographic-data/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TRA to sell TiVo data
We have to admit that in the current ad-happy climate we didn't think it would take some six months for an enterprising company to market TiVo's rich data mine. TRA will be licensing and marketing the info coming from TiVo customers, and the combination of viewing, demographic and purchasing data seems like a marketer's dream come true. Add in the growing trend towards targeted content, and you can guess what advertisers have in mind -- making accurate correlations between ad exposure and buying behavior. Sure, it sounds really creepy, but rest assured that the data is anonymous, so marketers will know how someone exactly like you behaves without knowing it's explicitly you. If you're still uneasy, we'd recommend getting off the grid entirely, because this sort of advertisement looks like it's here to stay.

TRA to license, sell TiVo demographic data originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adad dataAdDataadvertisingdemographicsmarketingtivotraTue, 01 Jul 2008 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft snatches up TV ad company Navic]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/18/microsoft-snatches-up-tv-ad-company-navic/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/18/microsoft-snatches-up-tv-ad-company-navic/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/18/microsoft-snatches-up-tv-ad-company-navic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Navic Networks
Traditional and web-centric media houses are colliding, and you can bet there's some serious moolah to be made at the intersection. Right in line with that is Microsoft's purchase of Navic Networks, which brings interactive and addressable TV ads to Microsoft's portfolio. With Navic's customer roster, which includes Comcast, Cox, Time Warner and Charter, the acquisition (for an undisclosed price) makes Microsoft an overnight player in the cable ad space. It's not just about Microsoft buying up access to 35 million set-top boxes, either. Just as cable MSOs love to sell consumers on converged services, Microsoft is hoping to sell MSOs a unified platform for TV and online ads. Can targeted popups over the top of our favorite shows, or some other soul-crushing marketing brilliance, be far behind?

Microsoft snatches up TV ad company Navic originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsmicrosoftnavicnavic networksNavicNetworksWed, 18 Jun 2008 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[NBC Universal hopes to push HD-focused ads during Olympics]]>http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/14/nbc-universal-hopes-to-push-hd-focused-ads-during-olympics/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/14/nbc-universal-hopes-to-push-hd-focused-ads-during-olympics/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/14/nbc-universal-hopes-to-push-hd-focused-ads-during-olympics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Not like you couldn't piece this one together yourself, but NBC Universal isn't going to let this opportunity pass it by. Just like the run-up to the SuperBowl, it's planning on using the Olympics as a campaign platform for HD. Reportedly, affiliates will be "provided with on-air, direct mail and bill stuffers to promote HDTV content sales, as well as material designed to retain current HDTV subscribers." In other words, expect to see an onslaught of ads coaxing folks into making the jump to high-def if they haven't already. Gotta love those marketing gurus, eh?

NBC Universal hopes to push HD-focused ads during Olympics originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingcommercialsnbcnbc universalNbcUniversalOlympicspromotionSat, 14 Jun 2008 23:58:00 EST